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Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix Criminal & DUI Defense Attorney

If you or someone you care about has been charged with a crime, you need
to know the basics of Criminal Defense Law in Arizona. As a knowledgeable
and skilled Phoenix Criminal Defense Attorney, Joshua S. Davidson can
provide you with answers to the many questions that can arise after being
charged. At the Law Offices of Joshua S. Davidson, we have a library of
knowledge when it comes to legal questions and the laws in Arizona. Here
you will find answers to many common legal questions, but we urge you
to contact our law office directly to have your specific questions answered.

Do I really need a lawyer?

If you have been arrested, questioned by the police, or are under police
investigation, you will most likely need to find representation. An attorney
will be able to answer all of your questions and provide you with the
support you need when facing criminal charges. If you find yourself asking
whether or not you need a lawyer, the best way to find out is to contact
one! After an attorney has all of the facts and information regarding
your particular case, they will be able to determine if legal representation
is necessary. Because every case is different, developing an effective
legal strategy means finding all of the facts and circumstances surrounding
the specific arrest. A qualified Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer will
make sure to gather all the information necessary to provide you with
the best criminal defense possible. Contact Phoenix Criminal Defense Attorney
Joshua S. Davidson to determine if you need representation.

If my case is still under investigation and no charges have been filed
against me, do I still need a lawyer?

During the police investigation is one of the most important times to have
an experienced criminal defense attorney representing you. A lawyer can
help ensure that your rights are protected during the investigation, a
time when police and investigators may try to take advantage of you if
you are not well informed of your rights. You will need an attorney to
ensure that any evidence in your favor is investigated and preserved in
the case. The investigation process is an important time for gathering
evidence, and without a lawyer this will be difficult to do. In many cases, a
Phoenix criminal defense attorney can bring evidence to the attention of police and prosecutors before the
charges are even filed, increasing your chances of not being charged.
It’s a difficult feat to convince prosecutors to drop charges once
they have been filed, so your best bet is to have an attorney be proactive
on your behalf.

Is it okay to speak with the police?

You DO NOT want to speak with the police, or answer any questions they
may direct towards you. Chances are they do not believe in your innocence
and it is their goal to gather evidence against you in order to convict
you. Their method to gather evidence is to get you to talk, and police
investigators tend to ask questions that guide you into telling them what
they want to hear. Some police and investigators may try to use deceptive
tactics and lie to people who are under investigation. It is routine practice
for police to get you to tell them “your side of the story.”
You may feel that this is a good opportunity for you to explain what happened,
but the reality is that they can use your statement against you in court.
Your decision to speak with the police should not be taken lightly, and
you need an experienced Phoenix criminal defense lawyer to advise you.

Do I need a criminal defense lawyer if I have been falsely accused?

We all like to believe that truth and justice prevails, but unfortunately
with today’s court system, this is not always the case. Every day
people are found guilty for crimes they did not commit, and this is a
harsh reality you need to consider when trying to decide whether or not
to hire a criminal defense attorney. The only way to ensure you are treated
fairly within the court system is to seek qualified representation.

How does bail work? Will the bail money be returned when the case is over?

Bail is simply a financial assurance that the defendant will attend the
court date after being released from custody. There are two ways to post
bail. A “cash” bail may be posted with the custodial agency
to cover the full amount of bail. If bail is exonerated at the end of
the case, the defendant will receive a check for the entire amount posted.
Also, a “bond” can be posted by a bail company. Through this
option, the defendant only has to pay roughly 10% of the entire amount
to the bail company, who puts up the entire bail amount through a bond.
If bail is exonerated, the 10% will not be returned to the defendant,
because this is the fee paid to the bail company for fronting the entire amount.

What is a Misdemeanor?

A misdemeanor is a “lesser” criminal act, and is generally
punished less severely than a felony offense. Many misdemeanors can be
punished with monetary fines or jail time of less than one year. Examples
of misdemeanors include
petty theft,
prostitution, public intoxication,
simple assault,
disorderly conduct, and
vandalism.

Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer: Joshua S. Davidson

As a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer, Joshua S. Davidson has the knowledge
and tools necessary to help you navigate through your criminal charges.
From answering initial questions, to representing you in the courtroom,
he will provide you with experienced, dedicated, and superior representation.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only.
Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual
case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt
or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.